Latent mobile bearing for prosthetic device

ABSTRACT

A prosthetic device for an anatomical feature includes a prosthetic member able to be fixed to the anatomical feature. The device also includes a bearing including a bearing surface able to support an articulating surface for articulation thereon. Additionally, the device includes a bearing restraining member that limits movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic member at a first time. The bearing restraining member also allows for increased movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic member at a second time without surgical intervention.

FIELD

The following relates to a prosthetic device and, more particularly, toa latent mobile bearing for a prosthetic device.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Prosthetic joints can reduce pain due to arthritis, deterioration,deformation, and the like, and can improve mobility of the joint.Oftentimes, prosthetic joints can include certain implantable prostheticmembers that are fixed to the patient's anatomy. For instance, kneejoint prosthetic devices can include a femoral component fixed to thepatient's femur and a tibial component fixed to the patient's tibia.Also, the device can include a bearing disposed between the femoral andtibial components. The bearing can be supported by the tibial component,and the bearing can include a bearing surface. An articulating surfaceof the femoral component can articulate on the bearing surface of thebearing.

In some cases, the bearing can be fixedly coupled to the tibialcomponent. In other cases, the bearing can be moveably coupled to thetibial component. Both types of bearings can be of benefit to thepatient for providing mobility of the joint. For some patients, themobile bearing provides better and more natural movement of thearticulating joint.

The following discloses a prosthetic device with a bearing that allowsfor improved articulation of the joint. The prosthetic device alsopromotes healing of the anatomical tissue.

SUMMARY

A prosthetic device for an anatomical feature is disclosed. The deviceincludes a prosthetic member able to be fixed to the anatomical feature.The device also includes a bearing including a bearing surface able tosupport an articulating surface for articulation thereon. Additionally,the device includes a bearing restraining member that limits movement ofthe bearing relative to the prosthetic member at a first time. Thebearing restraining member also allows for increased movement of thebearing relative to the prosthetic member at a second time withoutsurgical intervention.

Also, a method of implanting a prosthetic device for an anatomicalfeature is disclosed. The method includes implanting a prosthetic memberin the anatomical feature. Furthermore, the method includes supporting abearing with the prosthetic member such that movement of the bearingrelative to the prosthetic member is limited at a first time and suchthat allowable movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic memberis increased at a second time without surgical intervention. Moreover,the method includes supporting an articulating surface with the bearing.

Still further, a knee joint prosthetic device supporting movementbetween a femur and a tibia of a patient is disclosed. The knee jointprosthetic device includes a tibial prosthetic member that can beimplanted on the tibia and a femoral prosthetic member that can beimplanted on the femur. The femoral prosthetic member includes anarticulating surface. Additionally, the prosthetic device includes abearing supported by the tibial prosthetic member. The bearing includesa bearing surface able to support the articulating surface forarticulation thereon. Moreover, the prosthetic device includes a bearingrestraining member that limits linear and rotational movement of thebearing relative to the tibial prosthetic member at a first time. Thebearing restraining member also allows for increased linear androtational movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic member ata second time without surgical intervention.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. It should be understood that the description andspecific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a prostheticdevice;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the prosthetic device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the prosthetic device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a section view of a resorbing member of the prosthetic deviceof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is a section view of the prosthetic device of FIG. 4A after theresorbing member has resorbed;

FIG. 5A is a section view of another exemplary embodiment of a resorbingmember of the prosthetic device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5B is a section view of the prosthetic device of FIG. 5A after theresorbing member has resorbed;

FIG. 6A is a section view of another exemplary embodiment of a resorbingmember of the prosthetic device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6B is a section view of the prosthetic device of FIG. 6A after theresorbing member has resorbed;

FIG. 7 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a resorbingmember of the prosthetic device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8A is a section view of the resorbing member of the prostheticdevice of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8B is a section view of the prosthetic device of FIG. 7A after theresorbing member has resorbed;

FIG. 9 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a resorbingmember of the prosthetic device of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 10 is a section view of another exemplary embodiment of a resorbingmember of the prosthetic device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is notintended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. Itshould be understood that throughout the drawings, correspondingreference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a prosthetic device 10 for an anatomicalfeature 12 (e.g., a leg) is illustrated according to various exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the prosthetic device10 can be a prosthetic knee joint 14 (FIG. 2); however, it will beappreciated that the prosthetic device 10 can be of any suitable typefor any suitable joint of a patient. Moreover, it will be appreciatedthat the knee joint 14 can be a cruciate retaining (CR) joint, aposterior stabilized (PS) joint, a fully constrained joint, a hingedknee joint, or any other suitable knee joint 14.

In the embodiments shown, the prosthetic device 10 can include a firstprosthetic member 16. The first prosthetic member 16 can be made out ofcobalt chromium, titanium or any other suitable biocompatible material.The first prosthetic member 16 can be a first femoral prosthetic member16 and can be implanted and fixed to an inferior end of a resected femur18 (FIG. 2). More specifically, the first prosthetic member 16 caninclude a bone engaging surface 19 that engages the femur 18, and thefirst prosthetic member 16 can be fixed to the femur 18 via fasteners,bone cement, or any other suitable means. The first prosthetic member 16can also include one or more articulating surfaces 26 on a side oppositethe bone engaging surface 19. For instance, the articulating surfaces 26can be substantially similar to anatomical medial and lateral condylarsurfaces.

Furthermore, the prosthetic device 10 can include a second prostheticmember 20. The second prosthetic member 20 can be made out of cobaltchromium, titanium or any other suitable biocompatible material. Thesecond prosthetic member 20 can be a second tibial prosthetic member 20and can be implanted and fixed to a superior end of a resected tibia 22(FIG. 2). The second prosthetic member 20 can include a tray 23 and apost 25. The tray 23 can be relatively flat and can include a boneengaging surface 27 that engages the tibia 22. The tray 23 can alsoinclude a superior surface 29 opposite the bone engaging surface 27. Thepost 25 can be fixed to the tray and can be generally cylindrical. Thepost 25 can extend inferiorly from the tray 23 and can be received in acorresponding opening in the tibia 22 to fix the second prostheticmember 20 to the tibia 22. The second prosthetic member 20 can also befixed to the tibia 22 by fasteners, bone cement, or any other suitablemeans. In addition, the second prosthetic member 20 can include a guidepost 33 that is generally cylindrical. The guide post 33 can extendsuperiorly from the tray 23. It will be appreciated that the guide post33 can be included, especially, for posterior-stabilized and fullyconstrained prosthetic knee joint 14; however, it will be appreciatedthat the guide post 33 may not be necessary for another prosthetic kneejoint 14, which nevertheless falls within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Moreover, the prosthetic device 10 can include a bearing 24. The bearing24 can be made out of polyethylene (e.g., ultra high molecular weightpolyethylene (UHMWPE)) or any other suitable material. The bearing 24can include an inferior surface 31 that is supported on and that abutsthe superior surface 29 of the tray 23. The bearing 24 can also includea bearing surface 28 opposite the inferior surface 31. The bearingsurface 28 can be three-dimensionally and concavely curved. The bearingsurface 28 can correspond in shape to the articulating surface 26 of thefirst prosthetic member 16. As such, the articulating surface 26 can beslidingly supported on the bearing surface 28, and the bearing surface28 can support the articulating surface 26 for articulation thereon toreplicate anatomical movement of the joint 14. Moreover, the bearing 24can include a through hole 35 that extends between the bearing surface28 and the inferior surface 31. The guide post 33 can be received withinthe through hole 35. As shown, the through hole 35 can be larger thanthe guide post 33 to allow the bearing 24 to move relative to the tray23 as will be discussed in greater detail.

In addition, the prosthetic device 10 can include one or more bearingrestraining mechanisms or members 37. As will be discussed, the bearingrestraining members 37 can limit movement of the bearing 24 relative tothe tray 23 at a first time (e.g., when the prosthetic device 10 isfirst implanted). Also, the bearing restraining member 37 can eventually(i.e., at a second time) allow for increased movement of the bearing 24relative to the tray 23 without surgical intervention.

For instance, the restraining members 37 can initially fix the bearing24 and tray 23 together such that the relative range of movement (i.e.,range of motion, degree of freedom, etc.) is substantially zeromillimeters. Then, weeks after surgery, the restraining members 37 canallow the relative range of movement (i.e., the relative range ofmotion, degree of freedom, etc.) to be greater than zero millimeters.Also, in some embodiments, the restraining members 37 can initiallylimit the relative range of movement to X millimeters, and therestraining members 37 can eventually allow for a relative range ofmovement of X+1 millimeters. Still further, in some embodiments, therestraining members 37 can initially allow for a first type of relativemovement (e.g., anterior-posterior movement) while limiting a secondtype of relative movement (e.g., rotational), and the restrainingmembers 37 can eventually allow for both types of relative movement.

In some embodiments, the bearing restraining members 37 can be resorbingmembers 30 shown schematically in FIG. 2. The resorbing members 30 canbe made out of any suitable biologically compatible material thatresorbs or partially resorbs in the body. The terms “resorbing,”“resorption,” “resorb,” and other related terms are defined herein aseither partial or total loss of volume, strength, hardness, durometer,etc. over time.

The resorbing members 30 can be made out of any suitable resorbingmaterial. This set of materials includes, without limitation, categoriesof suitable materials such as resorbable polymer materials, resorbableceramic materials, resorbable metals, biological materials andcombinations thereof. Also, the resorbing members 30 can be made out ofsynthetic materials such as resorbable monomers and polymers,non-limiting examples of which include: certain polyesters, includingbut not limited to polylactic acid and polyglycolic acid,polycaprolactone, certain polyurethanes, protein or amino acid basedpolymers, polysaccharides, hyaluronic acid, polyethylene glycol,activated or modified forms of these materials, combinations of thesematerials, co-polymers and ter-polymers of these materials, and thesematerials in combination with other materials. Moreover, in someembodiments, the resorbing members 30 can be made out of LACTOSORB®,which is commercially available from Biomet of Warsaw, Ind. and is aco-polymer of polylactic acid and polyglycolic acid. Non-limitingexamples of resorbable ceramics include calcium containing ceramics suchas certain calcium phosphates, calcium sodium phosphates, calciumsulfates, and combinations thereof. A non-limiting example of apotentially suitable resorbable metal includes magnesium alloys.Non-limiting examples of suitable biological materials may includecellulose, gelatin, autograft tissue, allograft tissue, xenogenicmaterial, and extra cellular matrices (ECMs). Exemplary non-limitingexamples of such ECMs include, without limitation, porcine smallintestine submucosa (SIS), xenogeneic small intestine submucosa (xSIS),urinary bladder submucosa (UBS), laminated intestinal submucosa,glutaraldehyde-treated bovine pericardium (GLBP), and other acellularcollagen containing materials. The resorbing members 30 can be layered,molded, formed, braided, perforated, multilaminated, grafted orotherwise manipulated to achieve the desired properties and dimensions.

The resorbing members 30 can be disposed between the bearing 24 and thesecond prosthetic member 20 and can at least temporarily couple thebearing 24 to the second prosthetic member 20 so that the bearing 24 canbe fixed or immovable relative to the tray 23. As such, the resorbingmembers 30 can temporarily limit a range of movement of the bearing 24relative to the second prosthetic member 20. Also, as will be discussedin greater detail below, the resorbing members 30 can resorb (i.e.,reduce in size and be resorbed within the patient's body) to allowmovement of the bearing 24 relative to the second prosthetic member 20within an increased range of motion.

Accordingly, as will be discussed, the resorbing members 30 can bestrong enough to limit movement of the bearing 24 relative to the secondprosthetic member 20. For instance, when the prosthetic device 10 isinitially implanted, the resorbing members 30 can substantially fix thebearing 24 to the second prosthetic member 20 to promote healing of softtissue, etc. Over time, the resorbing members 30 can resorb, and thebearing 24 can move relative to the second prosthetic member 20. Thismovement of the bearing 24 can allow for improved mobility of the joint14 as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,972,039, filed Jul. 1, 2002, toMetzger et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, the resorbing member 30 can have ablock-like, or any other suitable shape. Also, the superior surface 29of the tray 23 can include an opening 32 (e.g., a recess), and theinferior surface 31 of the bearing 24 can include a similar opening 34(e.g., a recess). The openings 32, 34 can align when the bearing 24 issupported on the tray 23, and the resorbing member 30 can be received inboth openings 32, 34 (FIG. 4A). In some embodiments represented in FIG.3, the resorbing members 30 can be disposed anteriorly and posteriorlyfrom the guide post 33. However, it will be appreciated that theresorbing members 30 can be disposed at any suitable position in theprosthetic device 10.

Moreover, in some embodiments, the resorbing members 30 can be insertedbetween the bearing 24 and the second prosthetic member 20 duringsurgery, while the prosthetic device 10 is being implanted. In otherembodiments, the resorbing member 30 can be made of a liquid materialthat can be injected with a needle (not shown) between the bearing 24and the second prosthetic member 20, and the resorbing member 30 cansubsequently harden and cure into a solid state to limit the bearing 24against movement relative to the prosthetic member 20.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, the size and shape of the resorbing member30 substantially matches the combined size and shape of the openings 32,34. Thus, the resorbing member 30 can substantially fill the openings32, 34, and the resorbing member 30 can substantially fix the bearing 24against movement relative to the second prosthetic member 20. Forinstance, the resorbing member 30 can fix the bearing 24 against linearmovement in the anterior-posterior direction as represented by thevertical, double-headed arrow in FIG. 3. Also, the resorbing member 30can fix the bearing 24 against rotational movement about the guide post33 as represented by the curved, double-headed arrow in FIG. 3.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, the resorbing member 30 can resorb, leavingthe bearing 24 free to move relative to the second prosthetic member 20in an increased range of movement. In some embodiments, once theresorbing member 30 resorbs, the bearing 24 can move in a linear,anterior-posterior range of movement as represented by the vertical,double-headed arrow in FIG. 3. Also, in some embodiments, once theresorbing member 30 resorbs, the bearing 24 can rotate about the guidepost 33 as represented by the curved, double-headed arrow in FIG. 3.However, it will be appreciated that the prosthetic device 10 can beconfigured such that the bearing 24 moves in any direction and withinany range of movement relative to the second prosthetic member 20 oncethe resorbing member 30 resorbs.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the resorbing member 30 canautomatically resorb over time. In other embodiments, the resorbingmember 30 can selectively resorb at a predetermined time. In the lattercase, a surgeon can inject a substance into the patient, which causesthe resorbing member 30 to begin to resorb. More specifically, theresorbing member 30 can be made from or include a magnesium alloy, andthe surgeon can inject a saline buffer that sets off resorption.Furthermore, the resorbing member 30 can be made from or include calciumphosphate or calcium carbonate, and a citric acid can be injected toresorb and dissolve the resorbing member 30 relatively quickly.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, further exemplary embodiments of theprosthetic device 110 are illustrated. Components that are similar tothose of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4B are indicated with similarreference numbers, increased by 100.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the prosthetic device 110 can include a firstresorbing member 130 a and a second resorbing member 130 b. The firstresorbing member 130 a can be fixed to the tray 123 and can project intothe opening 132. Likewise, the second resorbing member 130 b can befixed to the bearing 124 and can project into the opening 134. When thebearing 124 is supported on the tray 123, the first and second resorbingmembers 130 a, 130 b can abut against each other.

The prosthetic device 110 can also include a biasing member 138. Thebiasing member 138 can couple the bearing 124 and the second prostheticmember 120 to limit relative movement as discussed above. Also, thebiasing member 138 can be biased to allow increased relative movementbetween the bearing 124 and the second prosthetic member 120 once theresorbing members 130 a, 130 b resorb.

The biasing member 138 can be of any suitable type, such as acompression spring. As shown in the exemplary embodiments illustrated,the biasing member 138 can be a resilient C-shaped clip. The biasingmember 138 can engage the first and second resorbing members 130 a, 130b and compress the first and second resorbing members 130 a, 130 btoward each other. As such, the biasing member 138 can bias the bearing124 toward the second prosthetic member 120 to limit movement of thebearing 124 relative to the second prosthetic member 120.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the resorbing members 130 a, 130 b canresorb, allowing the biasing member 138 to move into one of the openings132, 134. For instance, as shown in FIG. 5B, the biasing member 138 canmove completely into the opening 132 and out of the opening 134. Thiscan allow the bearing 124 to move relative to the second prostheticmember 120 as discussed above. In some embodiments, the biasing member138 can be tethered or otherwise attached to either the bearing 124 orthe second prosthetic member 120 so that the biasing member 138 isretained within either the opening 132 or the opening 134, respectively,after resorption. Also, in some embodiments, the biasing member 138 canbe removed from the openings 132, 134 by a surgeon after resorption ofthe members 130 a, 130 b. Also, in some embodiments, the biasing member138 itself can be made of resorbable material.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, further exemplary embodiments of theprosthetic device 210 are illustrated. Components that are similar tothose of the embodiments of FIGS. 5A and 5B are indicated with similarreference numbers, increased by 100.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the biasing member 238 can be a tab that is fixedto the tray 223. The biasing member 238 can resiliently bend in asuperior direction toward the bearing 224 to be received within theopening 234. Also, the resorbing member 230 can be wedged between thebiasing member 238 and the tray 223 to thereby push the biasing member238 and hold the biasing member 238 within the opening 234. As such, thebiasing member 238 can engage the bearing 224 to limit movement of thebearing 224 relative to the second prosthetic member 220.

Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the resorbing member 230 resorbs, thebiasing member 238 can resiliently recover to move back into the opening232 of the second prosthetic member 220. Thus, the bearing 224 can moverelative to the second prosthetic member 220 as discussed above.

It will be appreciated that the biasing member 238 could be fixed to thebearing 224, and the resorbing member 230 could push the biasing member238 into the opening 232 of the second prosthetic member 220 withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, in the embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the biasing member238 is smaller than the opening 234. As such, the bearing 224 can moverelative to the second prosthetic member 220 over a first range ofmovement even when the biasing member 238 is within the opening 234.However, once the resorbing member 230 resorbs, the biasing member 238can move out of the opening 234, and the bearing 224 can move within acomparatively larger second range of movement relative to the secondprosthetic member 220.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-8B, further exemplary embodiments of theprosthetic device 310 are illustrated. Components that are similar tothose of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4B are indicated with similarreference numbers, increased by 300.

As shown, the opening 334 (e.g., recess) of the bearing 324 can be aslot that extends in the posterior-anterior direction as represented bythe vertical, double headed arrow in FIG. 7. Moreover, the through hole335 of the bearing 324 can be a slot that extends in theposterior-anterior direction. The through hole 335 can be longer thanthe opening 334.

Also, as shown in FIG. 8A, the resorbing member 330 can be fixed to tray323. The resorbing member 330 can project away from the tray 323 to bereceived in the opening 334. The resorbing member 330 can be smallerthan the opening 334. As such, the resorbing member 330 can limitmovement of the bearing 324 relative to the tray 323 to within a firstrange A of linear movement in the posterior-anterior direction, androtation of the bearing 324 relative to the tray 323 can besubstantially eliminated by the resorbing member 330 as shown in FIG. 7.Thus, a first degree of freedom is present (i.e., anterior-posteriormovement) and a second degree of freedom (i.e., rotation) is restrained.However, as shown in FIG. 8B, once the resorbing member 330 resorbs, thebearing 324 can move relative to the tray 323 over a larger range ofmotion. More specifically, the resorbing member 330 no longer limitsmovement of the bearing 324, and the bearing 324 can move relative tothe tray 323 within a second range B of linear movement (FIG. 7) in theposterior-anterior direction. Also, the bearing 324 can also rotateabout the guide post 333 once the resorbing member 330 resorbs. As such,the bearing 324 has multiple degrees of freedom (i.e.,anterior-posterior and rotational movement). Furthermore, abutmentbetween the guide post 333 and the through hole 335 can limitanterior-posterior and rotational movement of the bearing 324 relativeto the tray 323.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 9, the through hole 434 in the bearing 424can be substantially the same size as the guide post 430. Also, thethrough hole 434 in the bearing 424 can be a slot that curves about theaxis of the guide post 430. Furthermore, the tray 423 can include aprojection 450 that extends in a superior direction to be received inthe through hole 434. The projection 450 can be wedge shaped. Also,resorbing members 430 a, 430 b can be fixed to opposite sides of theprojection 450. As such, abutment between the resorbing members 430 a,430 b and the inner surface of the through hole 434 can limit rotationalmovement of the bearing 424 about the guide post 430 within a firstrotational range of motion A′. However, once the resorbing members 430a, 430 b resorb, abutment between the projection 450 and the innersurface of the through hole 434 can limit rotational movement of thebearing 424 about the guide post 430 within a larger second rotationalrange of motion B′.

It will be appreciated that in the embodiments of FIGS. 7-9, theresorbing members 330, 430 a, 430 b could be fixed to the bearing 324,424. As such, the second prosthetic members 320, 420 could receive theresorbing members 330, 430 a, 430 b in order to limit the relativemovement of the bearing 324, 424 and the second prosthetic members 320,420 within the first range of motion A, A′.

Referring now to FIG. 10, further exemplary embodiments of theprosthetic device 510 are illustrated. Components that are similar tothose of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4B are indicated with similarreference numbers, increased by 500.

As shown, the bearing 524 can include a base post 552 that extends in aninferior direction to be received in an opening 554 of the secondprosthetic member 520. The base post 552 and the opening 554 can both betapered and can have a substantially similar size. Furthermore, the basepost 552 can include a through hole 558 that extends transverse to theaxis C. Likewise the post 525 of the second prosthetic member 520 caninclude a through hole 556 that aligns with the through hole 558.

The resorbing member 530 can be received in both through holes 556, 558to substantially fix the bearing 524 against rotation about the axis Crelative to the second prosthetic member 520. Thus, the resorbing member530 can be considered a resorbable fastener. Once the resorbing member530 resorbs, the bearing 524 can rotate about the axis C relative to thesecond prosthetic member 520. Accordingly, the initial, first range ofmovement of the bearing 524 relative to the second prosthetic member 520can be substantially equal to zero, and the eventual, second range ofmovement of the bearing 524 relative to the second prosthetic member 520can be greater than zero.

In other embodiments, the resorbing member 530 can initially fix thebearing 524 to the second prosthetic member 520. Over time, theresorbing member 530 can only partially resorb, and at a certain timeafter resorption, the resorbing member 530 can weaken and fracture dueto forces transferred between the bearing 524 and the second prostheticmember 520. Once the resorbing member 530 fractures, the bearing 524 andthe second prosthetic member 520 can move relative to each other overthe second range of movement.

It will be appreciated that the resorbing member 30-530 can limitmovement of only a portion of the bearing 24-524 relative to the secondprosthetic member 20-520. As such, after resorbing, that portion of thebearing 24-524 can move relative to the second prosthetic member 20-520while other portions of the bearing 24-524 remain limited against suchrelative movement.

Furthermore, as discussed above, the resorbing member 30-530 caninitially (e.g., immediately after implantation) limit movement of thebearing 24-524 relative to the second prosthetic member 20-520. Theresorbing member 30-530 can fix the bearing 24-524 to the secondprosthetic member 20-520 or can allow relative movement within a firstrange of movement. Limiting movement in this way can promote healing ofsoft tissue, etc. Eventually (e.g., well after surgery and after healinghas occurred) the resorbing member 30-530 can resorb, thereby allowingthe bearing 24-524 to move relative to the second prosthetic member20-520 over a larger, second range of movement without the need forsurgical intervention. This can allow for improved mobility of the joint14.

Moreover, the foregoing discussion discloses and describes merelyexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. One skilled in the artwill readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanyingdrawings and claims, that various changes, modifications and variationsmay be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure as defined in the following claims. For instance, thesequence of the blocks of the method described herein can be changedwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

1. A prosthetic device for an anatomical feature comprising: aprosthetic member able to be fixed to the anatomical feature; a bearingincluding a bearing surface able to support an articulating surface forarticulation thereon; and a bearing restraining member that limitsmovement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic member at a firsttime when the prosthetic device is initially implanted on the anatomicalfeature and that allows for increased movement of the bearing relativeto the prosthetic member at a second time without surgical intervention,wherein the bearing restraining member allows for movement of thebearing relative to the prosthetic member within a first range ofmovement at the first time, and wherein the bearing restraining memberallows for movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic memberwithin a second range of movement at the second time, an amount ofdisplacement in each of the first and second ranges of movement having anonzero value, the second range of movement greater than the first rangeof movement.
 2. The prosthetic device of claim 1, wherein the bearingrestraining member includes a resorbable member that resorbs to allowfor increased movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic memberat the second time.
 3. The prosthetic device of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the prosthetic member and the bearing defines an openingthat receives the bearing restraining member.
 4. The prosthetic deviceof claim 3, wherein at least one of the prosthetic member and thebearing defines a recess, wherein the bearing restraining member isfixed to the other of the prosthetic member and the bearing at the firsttime, and wherein the bearing restraining member is received in therecess at the first time.
 5. The prosthetic device of claim 1, furthercomprising a biasing member that limits movement of the bearing relativeto the prosthetic member at the first time and that is biased to allowfor increased movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic memberat the second time.
 6. The prosthetic device of claim 5, wherein thebiasing member biases the bearing toward the prosthetic member to limitmovement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic member at the firsttime.
 7. The prosthetic device of claim 5, wherein the biasing member isbiased toward one of the bearing and the prosthetic member, and whereinthe bearing restraining member pushes the biasing member away from theone of the bearing and the prosthetic member to engage the other of thebearing and the prosthetic member to limit movement of the bearingrelative at the first time.
 8. The prosthetic device of claim 1, whereinthe bearing restraining member automatically allows for increasedmovement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic member at the secondtime.
 9. The prosthetic device of claim 1, wherein the bearingrestraining member selectively allows for increased movement of thebearing relative to the prosthetic member.
 10. The prosthetic device ofclaim 1, wherein the bearing restraining member allows for increasedmovement of the bearing in a substantially anterior-posterior directionrelative to the prosthetic member at the second time.
 11. The prostheticdevice of claim 1, wherein the bearing restraining member allows forincreased rotational movement of the bearing relative to the prostheticmember at the second time.
 12. The prosthetic device of claim 1, whereinthe prosthetic member is a first prosthetic member and furthercomprising a second prosthetic member, the second prosthetic member ableto be fixed to a second anatomical feature, the second prosthetic memberincluding the articulating surface, the bearing disposed between thefirst and second prosthetic members.
 13. The prosthetic device of claim12, wherein the first prosthetic member is able to be fixed to a tibiaand the second prosthetic member is able to be fixed to a femur.
 14. Aprosthetic device for an anatomical feature comprising: a prostheticmember able to be fixed to the anatomical feature; a bearing including abearing surface able to support an articulating surface for articulationthereon; and a bearing restraining member that limits movement of thebearing relative to the prosthetic member at a first time and thatallows for increased movement of the bearing relative to the prostheticmember at a second time without surgical intervention, wherein theprosthetic member defines a first recess and the bearing defines asecond recess, the bearing restraining member being received in thefirst and second recesses.
 15. The prosthetic device of claim 14,wherein the bearing restraining member substantially fixes the bearingrelative to the prosthetic member at the first time.
 16. A method ofimplanting a prosthetic device for an anatomical feature, the methodcomprising: implanting a prosthetic member in the anatomical feature;supporting a bearing with the prosthetic member such that movement ofthe bearing relative to the prosthetic member is limited at a first timewhen the prosthetic device is initially implanted on the anatomicalfeature and such that allowable movement of the bearing relative to theprosthetic member is increased at a second time without surgicalintervention; and supporting an articulating surface with the bearing,wherein supporting the bearing with the prosthetic member includeslimiting movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic memberwithin a first range of movement at the first time and such thatallowable movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic member atthe second time is within a second range of movement, an amount ofdisplacement in each of the first and second ranges of movement having anonzero value, the second range of movement being greater than the firstrange of movement.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprisingimplanting a first prosthetic member in a first anatomical feature ofthe patient, implanting a second prosthetic member in a secondanatomical feature of the patient, the second prosthetic memberincluding the articulating surface, and providing the bearing betweenthe first and second prosthetic members.
 18. A knee joint prostheticdevice supporting movement between a femur and a tibia of a patient, theknee joint prosthetic device comprising: a tibial prosthetic member thatcan be implanted on the tibia; a femoral prosthetic member that can beimplanted on the femur, the femoral prosthetic member including anarticulating surface; a bearing supported by the tibial prostheticmember and including a bearing surface able to support the articulatingsurface for articulation thereon; and a bearing restraining member thatlimits linear and rotational movement of the bearing relative to thetibial prosthetic member at a first time when the prosthetic device isinitially implanted between the femur and the tibia of the patient andthat allows for increased linear and rotational movement of the bearingrelative to the tibial prosthetic member at a second time withoutsurgical intervention.
 19. The knee joint prosthetic device of claim 18,wherein the bearing restraining member includes a resorbing member thatlimits movement of the bearing relative to the tibial prosthetic memberat the first time, the resorbing member resorbing to allow for increasedmovement of the bearing relative to the tibial prosthetic member at thesecond time.
 20. The knee joint prosthetic device of claim 18, whereinthe bearing restraining member is disposed between the bearing and thetibial prosthetic member.
 21. The knee joint prosthetic device of claim20, wherein at least one of the tibial prosthetic member and the bearingdefines an opening that receives the bearing restraining member.
 22. Aknee joint prosthetic device supporting movement between a femur and atibia of a patient, the knee joint prosthetic device comprising: atibial prosthetic member that can be implanted on the tibia; a femoralprosthetic member that can be implanted on the femur, the femoralprosthetic member including an articulating surface; a bearing supportedby the tibial prosthetic member and including a bearing surface able tosupport the articulating surface for articulation thereon; and a bearingrestraining member that limits linear and rotational movement of thebearing relative to the tibial prosthetic member at a first time andthat allows for increased linear and rotational movement of the bearingrelative to the prosthetic member at a second time without surgicalintervention, wherein the tibial prosthetic member defines a firstrecess and the bearing defines a second recess, the bearing restrainingmember being received in the first and second recesses.
 23. A prostheticdevice for an anatomical feature comprising: a prosthetic member able tobe fixed to the anatomical feature; a bearing including a bearingsurface able to support an articulating surface for articulationthereon; and a bearing restraining member that limits movement of thebearing relative to the prosthetic member at a first time when theprosthetic device is initially implanted on the anatomical feature andthat allows for increased movement of the bearing relative to theprosthetic member at a second time without surgical intervention,wherein the bearing restraining member allows for movement of thebearing relative to the prosthetic member within a first range ofmovement at the first time, and wherein the bearing restraining memberallows for movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic memberwithin a second range of movement at the second time, an amount ofdisplacement in each of the first and second ranges of movement having anonzero value, the second range of movement greater than the first rangeof movement, wherein the prosthetic member defines a first recess andthe bearing defines a second recess, the bearing restraining memberbeing received in the first and second recesses.
 24. A method ofimplanting a prosthetic device for an anatomical feature, the methodcomprising: implanting a prosthetic member in the anatomical feature;supporting a bearing with the prosthetic member such that movement ofthe bearing relative to the prosthetic member is limited at a first timewhen the prosthetic device is initially implanted on the anatomicalfeature and such that allowable movement of the bearing relative to theprosthetic member is increased at a second time without surgicalintervention; and supporting an articulating surface with the bearing,wherein supporting the bearing with the prosthetic member includeslimiting movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic memberwithin a first range of movement at the first time and such thatallowable movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic member atthe second time is within a second range of movement, an amount ofdisplacement in each of the first and second ranges of movement having anonzero value, the second range of movement being greater than the firstrange of movement, and further comprising receiving a bearingrestraining member in a first recess of the prosthetic member and in asecond recess of the bearing to limit movement of the bearing relativeto the prosthetic member within the first range of movement at the firsttime.
 25. A knee joint prosthetic device supporting movement between afemur and a tibia of a patient, the knee joint prosthetic devicecomprising: a tibial prosthetic member that can be implanted on thetibia; a femoral prosthetic member that can be implanted on the femur,the femoral prosthetic member including an articulating surface; abearing supported by the tibial prosthetic member and including abearing surface able to support the articulating surface forarticulation thereon; and a bearing restraining member that limitslinear and rotational movement of the bearing relative to the tibialprosthetic member at a first time and that allows for increased linearand rotational movement of the bearing relative to the tibial prostheticmember at a second time without surgical intervention, wherein thetibial prosthetic member defines a first recess and the bearing definesa second recess, the bearing restraining member being received in thefirst and second recesses.